Grow Your Own Apple Tree

Workshop Resources

Thank you for attending our GYO Apple Tree Workshop. With proper care, you should expect to have some apples to harvest in just 2-3 years. They will be worth the wait! Some of the apple trees on our farm have been growing for close to 100 years! Below are some resources for you to use at your home farm.

Tractor and farm workers Planting Young Apple Trees with Cali our farm dog watching the process

list for our 2025 apple tree workshop agenda

Workshop Power Point as PDF

A few reminders when you plant:

Make sure your hole is twice as big as your root and if you have more roots on one side plant off centered in your hole.
Put your support pole in when you first plant to avoid damage to the roots in the future.
Make sure that the graft union is 2-3 inches above the soil. You may have to mound up the soil a little higher since soil will settle.
Below are the color keys for the tree types that you took home with you today.

photo of Charles Hurd from our work shop

Other recommendations for backyard growers:

DO NOT leave tree roots soaking in water before planting.
Pluck the flowers of the apple trees off the first two years to promote growth and minimize the risk of fire blight.
Purchase an all-purpose fruit tree spray and follow the instructions on timing and application.
It is very important to control weed and grasses, because they will pull water away from the trees and attract rodents and other pests.